Meryl Streep

While contemplating whether the new film ?Lions for Lambs? contains the fierceness associated with the former or the timidity of the latter, the conclusion is obvious and unfortunate. You absolutely want to be drawn into potentially compelling stories, and the failure to get anywhere close only magnifies the disappointment. In stripping away the original concept from the finished product, I would have been very cautious in foreseeing a sure-fire winner, even with three powerhouse stars to get people into the theaters.

Laura Sturza HILLSIDE DISTRICT -- Charles Champlin, former L.A. Times arts editor and critic-at-large, will speak tonight about major players in the film industry. He has worked as a writer, editor, television host, professor and lecturer, and has interviewed celebrities including the Beatles, Meryl Streep and Robert Altman. Champlin's book credits include "George Lucas: the Creative Impulse," and "The Movies Grow Up: 1940-1980." His most recent book "My Friend, You Are Legally Blind," documents his personal experience with losing his sight, following a career which relied heavily on visual media.

Good morning, readers! Today is Saturday, October 13. An up-and-coming North Hollywood actress aspires to have a long career like Meryl Streep . Emayatzy Corinealdi, 32, stars in the film "Middle of Nowhere" and told the L.A. Times , "Moving here to L.A., it's so easy to do everything that comes your way. " A cyclist was hit by a car and killed Friday morning in North Hollywood , reports LAist . The driver stayed at...

In typical Robert Altman fashion, his new movie, "A Prairie Home Companion," is a delightful slice of life, this time, Minnesota-style. It helps to be a fan of Garrison Keillor's NPR radio show of the same name, but it's not mandatory. Like the radio broadcast, the movie doesn't have much of a story arc, but the time spent sitting in your chair, listening and watching is very enjoyable. It's mainly a fictionalized chronicle of the show's final live broadcast with some backstage shenanigans and touching interpersonal relations.

JOYCE RUDOLPH Beginning its third season, Burbank's Media City Ballet is rehearsing its first full-length production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," scheduled for two performances Dec. 14 at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. Choreographer is Natasha Middleton, artistic director for the ballet company. John Pomeroy, lead animator of The Walt Disney Co., is creating backdrops. Shows are at 2 and 7 p.m., with the second performance being a fund-raiser for the Burbank Boys & Girls Club.

Sandra Kraisirideja, Enjoy! GLENDALE -- Guilt drove filmmaker Vahe Babaian to write and direct his first feature film "After Freedom." His parents made tremendous sacrifices to get to America and Babaian benefited enormously by being brought here. "I'm really fortunate. I never would have made a film if I hadn't come here," Babaian said. But his parents never realized their own hopes and dreams. Babaian and his parents came to the United States from Lebanon in 1976 with only $500.

Entertainment reminiscent of the USO shows and Latin and classic rock 'n' roll will fill the Starlight Bowl amphitheater in Burbank for the 14th annual summer season concert series. The music begins in a big way with the Fourth of July celebration, featuring The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra playing the big band selections of the 1940s that brought dancers who were "In the Mood," scrambling to the dance floor. Mistress of ceremonies will be Mary Lou Metzger, said Garth Nelson, deputy director of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services.

While contemplating whether the new film ?Lions for Lambs? contains the fierceness associated with the former or the timidity of the latter, the conclusion is obvious and unfortunate. You absolutely want to be drawn into potentially compelling stories, and the failure to get anywhere close only magnifies the disappointment. In stripping away the original concept from the finished product, I would have been very cautious in foreseeing a sure-fire winner, even with three powerhouse stars to get people into the theaters.